Victorian police have charged two men and seized drugs, guns, and cars linked to the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) as part of an investigation into alleged corruption within the building industry.
On Monday, detectives from Taskforce Hawk arrested five men and searched six properties, including the union's Victorian headquarters. Police stated they are investigating alleged secret commissions, fraud, and drug trafficking.
Among the items seized were four CFMEU registered vehicles, 10 mobile phones, a Schedule 4 poison, a .22 rifle, and ammunition. No arrests were made at the CFMEU headquarters, and union administrators stated that none of its officials have been charged.
A 36-year-old man from Chirnside Park was charged with possessing a Schedule 4 drug and is due to appear at Ringwood magistrates court on 10 November. A 46-year-old man from Westbury was charged with firearms offences and is scheduled to appear at Latrobe Valley magistrates court on 11 January. The other three men arrested were released pending further inquiries.
Police confirmed that the investigation into alleged secret commissions remains ongoing. Taskforce Hawk, established in July 2024 as Operation Hawk, targets criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry.
Michael Crosby, administrator of the CFMEU, stated the union is cooperating with police and that "anyone associated with criminal elements will have absolutely no place in this union's future."